Thomas Ross, a Republican candidate for the Missouri House, has been charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Ross is accused of attempting to frame his primary opponent, Louise Secker, by plotting to plant narcotics on her in the final months leading up to the August 4 primary.
According to court documents and a probable cause statement signed by an FBI agent, Ross allegedly provided a former campaign manager with a black nylon glove containing a small plastic bag of white powder and a pink and white capsule. Law enforcement tests later identified the substances as cocaine and Adderall. Ross reportedly instructed the staffer to place the drugs in Secker's purse or vehicle while he was away on vacation.
The FBI statement reveals that Ross sent numerous text messages to his staffer regarding the substance. In one message, Ross expressed hope that the plan could be executed before Secker attended a Republican women’s meeting in June, noting that it would be extreme egg on the face for her.
Ross, who defeated Secker by only a few dozen votes, made an initial court appearance on Thursday. Missouri Republican Party chairman Peter Kinder called the circumstances serious and deeply troubling, urging Ross to drop out of the race. U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated that voters deserve confidence in elections and that candidates are expected to conduct their campaigns with integrity, honesty, and respect for their opponents.